A Level

In London

Price on request

Description

  • Type

    A Level

  • Location

    London

  • Duration

    2 Years

Important information

Government funding available

Facilities

Location

Start date

London
See map
St Charles Square, W10 6EY

Start date

On request

About this course

5 GCSE's grades A-C, and English Language grade C.

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Course programme


AS Religious Studies
Level: AS/A2

Awarding Body: EDEXCEL

Course Content:
What is Religious Studies?

Religious Studies allows students the opportunity to cover a range of disciplines-history, philosophy, textual studies and ethics within a single subject area. The central concepts are essentially those of the classical theistic faith, although there is some scope for considering other faiths. It is a rigorous academic discipline, equipping students to analyse and debate in a broad and stimulating intellectual field.

What sort of student does it suit and what will you get out of the course?

Although GCSE offers a useful background, it is by no means compulsory. You should be prepared to discuss issues which are controversial and about which there are many differing opinions. The subject complements subjects such as History, English, Philosophy, Classics, Psychology and Sociology. The high intellectual demands of Religious Studies are recognised by universities as equipping students to develop evaluative and analytical skills. You should be able to develop good essay-writing skills and to be prepared to research independently.

AS Specification Edexcel 8562

Paper 1: Foundations-Philosophy of Religion and Ethics-One exam paper, 1 hour 45 minutes.

A study of philosophical arguments for the existence of God; the problem of evil and suffering; philosophical debates about miracles; utilitarianism, situation ethics; sexual ethics, war and peace.

25% of final A level qualification.

Paper 2: Investigations- one exam paper lasting 1 hour 15 minutes, during which students write ONE essay on a prepared topic chosen by the tutor. Possible topics include religious experience, medical ethics, sociology of religion.

25% of final A level qualification.

A2 Level Religious Studies

Paper 3: Developments - Further studies in Philosophy of Religion and Ethics. One exam, 1hr 45 minutes.

The topics taught are the philosophical concepts for the existence of God, including the Ontological argument, religious experience, life after death, atheism and the critiques of religious belief. Students will also learn about virtue ethics, natural law, deontology and the problems raised by religious language.

25% of final qualification

Paper 4: Implications - one exam, 1hr 45 minutes.

Students will have to know the arguments and implications of three separate articles, one of which will appear in the exam. The articles are on religious experience, religious language and atheism.

25% of final qualification

Both of the exams take place in June.

Teaching Learning Methods:
Classroom discussion in this subject is always lively and has a crucial role to play in the learning experience of students. Participation in small and whole group discussions will develop the linguistic and conceptual tools required in order to succeed in this subject. Students will be expected to be able to respond to a wide variety of teaching styles.

Students will be provided with booklets and handouts produced by their teacher which will enable them to acquire the basic evaluative and conceptual skills required. In addition, students will be expected to undertake their own research using texts available through the library, the department and from various external sources. We also make use of video, visiting speakers and trips to lectures outside college.

Skills & Commitment:
Students will receive guidance and support in: methods of increasing the efficiency of their reading; appropriate methods of recording data; developing the skills of recognition and selection of appropriate material for the type of written or learning task that they are undertaking.

To prepare students effectively for their public assessments, three types of written work are undertaken during the year.

Study Essays

Extended Essays

Examination Essays

Students are expected to submit study essays and may also be required to write a timed essay in class. As with any Advanced Level subject, students should undertake at least a total four hours study each week. The normal college requirements regarding attendance, punctuality and work deadlines must be adhered to.

Cost:
Students will be expected to contribute to the costs of the occasional one - day conference, and a weekend residential course.

Progression:
The course is a very well established A Level which will carry currency for any university application. It is, of course, valuable as a preparation for the study of Theology or Philosophy at university, as previous St Charles students will testify. If you are looking for an A level with guaranteed good results, then Theology is the one to consider

Complimentary Subjects:
The course complements any programme of humanities A- Levels, but could equally work as part of the programme of an interested scientist.

AS Religious Studies

Price on request